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Health Check (health + check)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	94%

Distribution within Medical Sciences

General Dentistry	18%
Intellectual Disability	11%

Selected Abstracts

Evaluating performance of and organisational capacity to deliver brief interventions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2010
Katie Panaretto
Abstract Objective: This study assessed brief intervention (BI) activity and organisation capacity for smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity (SNAP framework) and key clinical prevention activities in four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services in Queensland. Methods: A mixed methods design was used including: staff surveys of knowledge and attitudes (n=39), focus groups to discuss perceived barriers and enablers and chart audits (n=150) to quantify existing BI activity. Results: Of 50 clinical staff, 46 participated in the staff survey and focus groups across the four sites. BI was perceived to be important. There was significant variation in completion of records for SNAP risk factors, key clinical and BI activities across the sites. At least one SNAP factor status was recorded in 130/150 (86.7%) patient charts audited and there was a significant trend of increased recording of SNAP factors with increasing number of patient visits. Of those identified at risk 78% received at least one BI. Where risk was identified 65/96 (67.7%) patients required multiple BIs. BI for tobacco use was consistently high across all sites. Only one site recorded regular care planning and Adult Health Checks. Impacting factors included leadership, high staff turnover, multiple medical records and staff health status. Conclusions: Inflexible staff training, competing health priorities and high levels of staff turnover were identified as key barriers to the delivery of BI in clinical settings. The data suggests a good base of existing BI activity for smoking and key clinical activities which may improve with further support. [source]

Depression and the metabolic syndrome: gender-dependent associations

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 8 2008
Sharon Toker Ph.D.
Abstract This study was designed to test the extent to which depressive symptoms are associated with the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and each of its components, and whether these relationships are gender dependent. Participants were apparently healthy employed men (N=2,355) and women (N=1,525) who underwent a routine health check between the years 2003 and 2005. We used logistic regression analysis, predicting the MS by depressive symptoms, as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the following control variables: age, education, smoking status, physical exercise, anxiety, and burnout. As hypothesized, we found that depression among women, but not men, was associated with a 1.94-fold risk of having the MS, and with an elevated risk of having two of its five components: elevated waist circumference (odds ratio, OR=2.23) and elevated glucose levels (OR=2.44). In addition, a positive trend was observed toward an association with the other three components: low high-density lipoprotein, hypertension, and elevated triglycerides. Among men depression was associated with elevated waist circumference only (OR=1.77). These findings suggest that especially among women, the association between depression and cardiovascular diseases might be linked to metabolic processes. If replicated in longitudinal studies, these findings may have important health-care policy implications with regard to depression management interventions. Depression and Anxiety 0:1,9, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Standardized health check data from community-dwelling elderly people: the potential for comparing populations and estimating need

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 1 2000
Peter Bath PhD
Abstract The main aim of this study was to compare EASY-Care data obtained during nurse-administered annual health checks in two populations of older people. A secondary aim was to determine whether a standardized assessment system administered as part of routine practice by a trained nurse during the over-75 health check could generate useful information for comparing population health and functional status of community-dwelling-older people. One hundred and seventy-nine elderly people (aged 75 years and over) from the Woodstock ward, Belfast, having relatively high deprivation; and 238 elderly people from south Hampshire, ranging from affluent wards in New Forest to inner city wards, were assessed using the EASY-Care assessment system as part of their annual health check. There was a high response rate to the standardized assessment in both populations (75% and 79%). Compared to people in south Hampshire, the people in Belfast had higher relative risk of having fair/poor self-rated health, and lower relative risk of having good/sufficient accommodation and of having difficulty chewing. People in Belfast had a higher relative risk of being dependent for six of the seven IADL items and for continence of urine, bathing, grooming, use of the stairs and dressing among the ADL items. The results demonstrate the ability of data generated by assessment system to discriminate between populations of older people when used as part of routine practice. Differences in health and functional status may be associated with deprivation. Data collected during the annual health check about the health and functional status of older people could provide a useful adjunct to census and survey data to measure population needs and to support locality planning. [source]

Respiratory Function as a Marker of Bone Health and Fracture Risk in an Older Population,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2009
Alireza Moayyeri
Abstract Identification of those at high risk of osteoporosis and fractures using clinically available tests beyond BMD measures is a major clinical challenge. We examined forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), an easily obtainable measure of respiratory function, as a clinical measure for fracture prediction. In the context of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk Study, 8304 women and 6496 men 42,81 yr of age underwent a health check including spirometry and heel quantitative ultrasonography between 1997 and 2000 and were followed up for incident hip fractures until 2007. The main outcome measures were broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the heel (cross-sectional analysis) and hip fracture risk (prospective analysis). In multivariate regression models, a 1-liter increase in FEV1 was associated with a statistically significant 2.2-dB/MHz increase in BUA, independent of age, smoking, height, body mass index, history of fracture, and use of corticosteroids. Mean FEV1 was significantly lower among 84 women and 36 men with hip fracture compared with other participants. In multivariate proportional-hazard regression models, the relative risk (RR) of hip fracture associated with a 1-liter increase in FEV1 was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3,0.9; p < 0.001) for both men and women. RR of hip fracture for a 1 SD increase in FEV1 was approximately equivalent to a 0.5 SD increase in BUA among women (1 SD among men) and an ,5-yr decrease in age among both men and women. Middle-aged and older people with low respiratory function are at increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. FEV1, an easy, low-cost, and feasible clinical measure, may help improve the identification of high-risk groups. [source]

The oral health status of patients on oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008
R Kunchur
Abstract Background:, The oral health status of patients on bisphosphonates is the key to the patient's ongoing health and well-being. If they are orally healthy, invasive bone procedures, particularly extractions can be avoided, then the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is low. Methods:, The records of 49 consecutive patients on oral bisphosphonates, referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit (OMSU) for an oral health check and probable extractions, were retrospectively reviewed. The DMFT, periodontal and pathologic state were calculated from the OPG radiographs. An age and gender matched control group, from patients referred to the OMSU but who were not on oral bisphosphonates, were similarly assessed. Community data were also obtained. Results:, The DMFT score for the oral bisphosphonate group was 29: Decayed 3, Missing 10, Filled 16. The control group DMFT score was 24: Decayed 5, Missing 11, Filled 8. Both groups had advanced periodontal disease (over 95 per cent) and were medically compromised (over 90 per cent). The DMFT for general community data for age matched government pensioners was 19.1: Decayed 0.8, Missing 10.4, Filled 7.9. With severe periodontal disease 23 per cent. Thus, the oral health of the oral bisphosphonate group was similar to the control group and both had more decayed teeth and periodontal disease than community values. Conclusions:, This study confirms that one cannot assume that a patient on an oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis has a healthy mouth. It supports the view that all patients on bisphosphonates need to be seen by a dentist either before or soon after commencement of bisphosphonate therapy. [source]

Evaluation of a mobile screening service for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Broken Hill, a remote regional centre in far western NSW

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2010
Margaret S. Lesjak
Abstract Objectives:,To evaluate the feasibility of a mobile screening service model for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a remote population centre in Australia. Design:,Screening test evaluation. Setting:,A remote regional centre (population: 20 000) in far western NSW. Participants:,Men aged 65,74 years, identified from the Australian Electoral roll. Interventions:,A mobile screening service using directed ultrasonography, a basic health check and post-screening consultation. Main outcome measures:,Attendance at the screening program, occurrence of AAA in the target population and effectiveness of screening processes. Results:,A total of 516 men without a previous diagnosis of AAA were screened, an estimated response rate of 60%. Of these, 463 (89.7%) had a normal aortic diameter, 28 (5.4%) ectatic and 25 (4.9%) a small, moderate or significant aneurysm. Two men with AAA were recommended for surgery. Feedback from participants indicated that the use of a personalised letter of invitation helped with recruitment, that the screening process was acceptable and the service valued. Conclusions:,It is feasible to organise and operate a mobile AAA screening service from moderate sized rural and remote population centres. This model could be scaled up to provide national coverage for rural and remote residents. [source]

An evaluation of Bosniak's radiological classification of cystic renal masses

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2000
S. Koga
Objective To determine the clinical usefulness of Bosniak's classification of cystic renal masses, the differentiation of which remains difficult despite significant advances in diagnostic imaging. Patients and methods The computed tomography (CT) findings of all histopathologically examined cystic renal masses diagnosed at our institution were analysed retrospectively; 35 patients with cystic renal masses were treated between 1986 and 1998. Tissues surgically removed were examined pathologically and the final diagnosis compared with the preoperative CT category of Bosniak's classification. Results The histopathological examined showed cystic renal cell carcinoma in 21 patients, a benign renal cyst in 12, haemangiosarcoma in one and transitional cell carcinoma in one. Most of the 35 masses (26, 74%) were found incidentally during evaluation for an unrelated disease or a routine health check. All 11 masses of Bosniak category I were benign and one category II mass was malignant. All 10 masses of category III and 12 of category IV were malignant. Conclusions Bosniak's classification is useful for differentiating category I, III and IV cystic renal masses. There were too few samples to allow meaningful conclusions to be drawn for category II renal masses. It is critical to differentiate between complicated cysts of category II and III because of the major implications for prognosis and clinical management. [source]

Is the prevalence of overweight and obesity declining among 4-year-old Swedish children?

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2009
Erik Bergström
Abstract Aim:, To investigate the trend in overweight and obesity prevalence among 4-year-old Swedish children. Methods:, Height and weight data registered at the regular health check up at the child health centres in the county of Västerbotten during the years 2007/2008 (2225 boys and 2156 girls) were analysed and compared with data from 2002/2003 (2231 boys and 2176 girls). Overweight and obesity were estimated using the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values (ISO BMI). Results:, In both boys and girls, overweight prevalence (ISO BMI > 25) decreased over the 5-year period, boys from 17.2% to 14.2% and girls from 22.3% to 19.0%. Among girls, there was also a decrease in obesity prevalence (ISO BMI > 30) from 5.7% to 3.1%. Conclusion:, The result of this study indicates that the overweight and obesity epidemic among Swedish pre-school children may be levelling off. [source]

Testing the effect of including oral health in general health checks for elderly patients in medical practice , a randomized controlled trial

COMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
C. Lowe
Abstract,,, Aim:, To test the feasibility and effectiveness of an oral health referral process for elderly patients (aged 75 years or over) attending a preventive health check (PHC) with their general medical practitioner. Objectives:, To evaluate the effectiveness of the process in increasing dental attendance at baseline and 6 months after the intervention. To identify key characteristics of those who accepted an oral health visit (OHV). To determine the proportion of people attending the OHV who required treatment and subsequently attended a dentist. Setting:, Three general medical practices in east Cheshire, UK. Design:, A randomized controlled trial. Method:, Elderly patients attending their general medical practice for PHCs were randomly assigned to a test group, who were invited to attend for an OHV, and to a control group, who received no intervention. Six months after the PHC the effectiveness of the process was measured. Results:, Some 50% of those invited for an OHV accepted. Those accepting were more likely to be edentulous, wear dentures or have a current oral health problem, than those declining. Regression analysis showed the best predictors of acceptance to be having a current dental problem or pain and not having a regular dentist. The mean time since their last dental visit was 8.1 years which was significantly longer than those declining the OHV. 63% of individuals attending the OHV were assessed as having a realistic treatment need and 70% of those referred went on to complete the course of treatment. In the test group a highly significant increase in reported dental visiting was found at sixth month evaluation. The primary care staff were happy to include the dental checklist and felt it was a valuable addition to the PHC. Conclusions:, The offer of an OHV was taken up most readily by those with current oral problems, or pain and those with no regular dentist. The inclusion of a dental checklist within the PHC for elderly patients together with help with arranging a dental appointment shows promise as a way of ensuring the dental needs of this group are met. [source]

Standardized health check data from community-dwelling elderly people: the potential for comparing populations and estimating need

The health promotion model as assessed by ageing workers

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 2 2006
Paula Naumanen PhD
Aims., This study describes qualitatively ageing workers and their health promotion. It also describes quantitatively the importance of individual, workplace and occupational health promoting factors, the impact of health promotion and the contributions of the other co-partners promoting the health of ageing workers. These form the foundation for a model of health promotion. Background., Very little is known about the health promotion factors exclusively focused at ageing workers. Methods., A pretested questionnaire with structured and some open-ended questions were devised to form the basis of qualitative data and sent to 150 ageing workers, of whom 93 (62%) returned it. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using frequencies and means. Results., Over 90% of respondents stated that health habits, individual arrangements at the workplace, a good workplace spirit, health checks, counselling and access to nursing care were important factors for health promotion. Better health (99%), work satisfaction (95%) and motivation of employees (96%) were the factors impacting on health promotion. Ageing workers stated that health and safety organization (94%) and rehabilitation institutes (93%) were the most important co-partners. Conclusions., This study confirms extremely high importance of different health promotion factors, their impact and some co-partners. Health problems, early retirement and work absenteeism are rather common in ageing workers. If we are to avoid these problems, it is important to support their work ability effectively and systematically to allow these workers to stay employed until the normal retirement age. Relevance to clinical practice., It is necessary, that management appreciate the benefits of ageing workers; they have to take a positive attitude toward these workers and participate more effectively in their health promotion. Occupational health professionals play a key role in training workers and management to undertake the required measures. [source]

Body mass index in adults with intellectual disability: distribution, associations and service implications: a population-based prevalence study

JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008
S. Bhaumik
Abstract Background Previous studies of weight problems in adults with intellectual disability (ID) have generally been small or selective and given conflicting results. The objectives of our large-scale study were to identify inequalities in weight problems between adults with ID and the general adult population, and to investigate factors associated with obesity and underweight within the ID population. Methods We undertook a population-based prevalence study of 1119 adults with ID aged 20 and over on the Leicestershire Learning Disability Register who participated in a programme of universal health checks and home interviews with their carers. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the register data and compared the observed and expected prevalences of body mass index categories in the ID and general populations using indirect standardisation for age. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of a range of probable demographic, physical, mental and skills attributes with obesity and underweight. Results In those aged 25 and over, the standardised morbidity ratio (SMR) for obesity was 0.80 (95% CI 0.64,1.00) in men and 1.48 (95% CI 1.23,1.77) in women. The SMR for underweight was 8.44 (95% CI 6.52,10.82) in men and 2.35 (95% CI 1.72,3.19) in women. Among those aged 20 and over, crude prevalences were 20.7% for obesity, 28.0% for overweight, 32.7% for normal weight and 18.6% for underweight. Obesity was associated with living independently/with family, ability to feed/drink unaided, being female, hypertension, Down syndrome and the absence of cerebral palsy. Underweight was associated with younger age, absence of Down syndrome and not taking medication. Conclusion Obesity in women and underweight in both men and women was more common in adults with ID than in the general population after controlling for differences in the age distributions between the two populations. The associated factors suggest opportunities for targeting high-risk groups within the ID population for lifestyle and behaviour modification. [source]

Estimating the number of unlicensed brothels operating in Melbourne

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2010
Marcus Y. Chen
Abstract Objective: To estimate the number of unlicensed brothels operating in Melbourne, Australia, and the sexual health of the women working in them. Methods: Advertisements from Melbourne newspapers published in July 2006 were systematically analysed based on the language used to identify premises likely to be unlicensed brothels. A visit was made to each of the businesses where an address was available. Participating sex workers were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis using self-collected tampons and polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were 438 advertisements collated, representing 174 separate establishments. Of these, 78 were not considered likely to be brothels. Of the remaining 96, addresses were available for 42 and all of these premises were visited. Thirteen were confirmed as unlicensed brothels. We estimate there were between 13 and 70 unlicensed brothels in Melbourne. Twenty-three women were recruited from four brothels. Only 56% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35-77%) reported having regular sexual health checks and only 13% (95%CI 3-36%) reported prior testing for HIV. Among the 22 women tested, one had chlamydia while another had gonorrhoea, a prevalence of 4.5% (95%CI: 2.3-20.4%) for each infection. Conclusions: The number of unlicensed brothels in Melbourne is much smaller than is generally believed. Women in the sector are infrequently tested for STIs. Implications: As long as a licensing system persists, promotion of sexual health among women in this sector is likely to face hurdles. Further research is needed into the best model for regulating or not regulating sex industries. [source]

Caring for people with learning disability: a survey of general practitioners' attitudes in Southampton and South-west Hampshire

BRITISH JOURNAL OF LEARNING DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2000
Ken SteinArticle first published online: 24 DEC 200
The aim of the present paper was to examine general practitioners' (GPs') beliefs about: the demands made on the primary care team by people with learning disability; their confidence in meeting health care needs and perceived training requirements; attitudes towards specialist or generic health service provision, and current contact with specialist teams; and attitudes towards screening in people with learning disability. A postal questionnaire was sent to a randomly selected partner from 95% of the practices in the Southampton and South-west Hampshire Health District. Forty-eight (75%) GPs responded and few were undecided about the demands placed on primary care teams, but beliefs were mixed. Most GPs were confident in dealing with the medical care needs of people with learning disability and the majority felt that training courses would not be worthwhile, except to learn more about specialist services where contact was very low and a ,link worker' scheme had had little apparent impact. Most respondents agreed that GPs should meet the medical needs of people with learning disability as part of general medical services and approximately half had a positive attitude towards providing regular health checks. Respondents were cautious about offering cervical cancer screening to women with learning disability. A small minority suggested that they would take no action to follow up a non-attendance for mammography. As a heterogeneous population, it is not surprising that GPs' attitudes vary widely. Further research is required to establish the nature and scale of demands made on primary health care teams, and to evaluate systematic means of addressing health care needs of people with learning disability. [source]

Methadone-exposed newborn infants: outcome after alterations to a service for mothers and infants

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007
J. Miles
Abstract Objective, To evaluate the impact of a shared care approach in clinical management with a drug liaison midwife (DLM) service for mothers and infants established in 1995,1996 in an inner city area and to address the problem of congenital abnormality and microcephaly with fetal drug exposure. Methods, Descriptive analysis of data in live births of women enrolled in a methadone maintenance programme in 1991,1994 (n = 78) and 1997,2001 (n = 98), including time spent in hospital, treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), admission to the neonatal medical unit (NMU) and follow-up for child health checks. Results, In 1997,2001 compared with 1991,1994, the mothers used more methadone in the last week of pregnancy (median 40.0 mg/day vs. 21.5 mg/day, P = 0.0006) and there were more preterm deliveries (36% vs. 21%, P = 0.03). The infants spent less time in hospital (median 5 days vs. 28 days, P < 0.0001), a smaller proportion had treatment for NAS (14% vs. 79%, P < 0.0001), and NMU admission was reduced (median 14 days vs. 26 days, P < 0.0003). Neonatal convulsions (P = 0.0001) and jaundice (P < 0.001) occurred less frequently, and more infants were breastfed (P = 0.001). One infant in each study group had a cleft palate and none had microcephaly. Child health checks for 18,24 months showed a favourable outcome in 1997,2001. Conclusions, We altered antenatal care and modified neonatal management, subsequently infants spent less time in hospital and NMU admissions were reduced with less NAS treatment. Congenital abnormalities and microcephaly were not common and as regular child health checks were possible, the impact of the DLM service in shared management merits further investigation, for mother,infant bonding and developmental outcome. [source]